Flagstaff Featured Business: Coldstream Photography and Film
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press.
Coldstream Photography and Film
780-385-5939
Shaina George’s passion for photography came into focus around the time she was 13 years old. That’s when, out of pure boredom, she got her hands on her mom’s camera and started snapping photos around the family farm south of Killam of “anything and everything” – including farm equipment, animals, the landscape, and, of course, the iconic Coldstream barn.
“And it turned out I had a pretty good eye for it,” Shaina recalls.
She also fondly remembers her dad, with a camcorder in his steady hand, videotaping her and her siblings at play, at various sporting events and during family vacations.
“As I grew up, I started to really value those memories that he captured,” Shaina says, “and it helped spark that desire in me to provide those memories for others.”
Naturally, Shaina was also called on when her older siblings wanted quality photos taken with their significant others.
“So it’s safe to say my family had a lot to do with me becoming a photographer,” Shaina adds with a smile.
Meanwhile, Nick Dunn, who has known Shaina since Grade 4, grew up with a fascination for technology. During his time in the Agriculture Management program at Olds College, Nick had the opportunity to work with drones and was instantly hooked.
In April of 2017, the couple decided to combine their passions into a business venture. And so, Coldstream Photography and Film was born.
Nick serves as drone operator and occasional videographer, while Shaina is the primary photographer and videographer.
Coldstream Photography and Film derives its name from Shaina’s family farm, where the two have spent a lot of time together.
“The farm I grew up on and the farm that Nick worked on for many years holds such a big piece of both of our hearts,” Shaina explains. “So when we decided to team up and operate together, it just made sense to work under Coldstream Photography and Film.”
The young entrepreneurs offer a wide range of photo and film services at competitive rates, including weddings, elopements, engagement, family, graduation, maternity, lifestyle, real estate, and branding sessions.
“Our mission is to provide an enjoyable and fun experience in front of the camera and create timeless photos that you will treasure forever,” Shaina says.
She marvels at the fact that it has already been 12 years since she picked up her first camera.
“I soaked in everything I possibly could growing up as a photographer and spent a lot of time navigating and figuring out what direction I wanted to go into as a photographer, and the areas that I really enjoyed working in,” Shaina adds.
“The last few years have really helped me grow into the photographer that I am today.”
The business has also experienced considerable growth over the past five years, something that Shaina and Nick are incredibly grateful for.
“We’re very thankful for all of our previous customers,” Nick says. “We would not be where we are today without you. We look forward to meeting and working with many of you in the future.”
The business’s growth over the past five years gets Shaina excited for the possibilities of the next five years.
“I look forward to all of the amazing moments and all of the incredible people that we’ll get to work with,” she adds. “I see us moving more towards the educational side of photography and film to hopefully inspire and educate others to consider this as a career in the Flagstaff Region.”
For the most part, Shaina and Nick schedule their shoots throughout Flagstaff, using the many picturesque and pastoral vistas as their natural backdrops.
“There are some pretty incredible locations that we shoot at,” she explains. “We have the open prairies on the west side of the county that offer some beautiful country skylines. And then on the east side of the county, we have the more rugged landscape with the Battle River and the rolling hills.
“We also travel anywhere adventure and love takes us. We’ve been pretty fortunate to work in some pretty amazing locations. However, nothing compares to working around home with families and couples that love the region as much as we do.”
Asked to describe Coldstream Photography and Film in one word, Shaina doesn’t hesitate in saying “unique.”
“We truly value the opportunity to showcase your special moments,” she notes. “We strive on featuring beauty and simplicity, while keeping things completely and totally unique to you. We strongly stand by our belief that the photos and videos we produce should be a direct reflection of who you are so that they will forever be special to you.”
For more information, visit www.coldstreamphotofilm.ca
Check out the feature in print in the May 18 edition of The Community Press – available for digital purchase anytime. Never miss an issue, become a SUBSCRIBER today!
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press.
